The United States have extended their remarkable dominance of women’s basketball, winning a fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup title after defeating France 97-79 in the final in Berlin, Germany.
The victory further strengthens the USA’s legacy in the competition, as they once again emerged champions after overcoming a spirited challenge from France in front of 12,223 spectators at the Berlin Arena.
France made a stunning start to the final, building a 14-point advantage in the first half and putting the defending champions under serious pressure.
But the USA responded strongly after the break, gradually turning the contest around before pulling away to secure a comfortable 18-point victory.
Breanna Stewart was at the centre of the American triumph, delivering another outstanding performance with 22 points and 10 rebounds to finish with a double-double.
Stewart’s contribution also earned her a place in the history of the competition.
She was named the tournament’s TISSOT Most Valuable Player, becoming the first player to win the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup MVP award twice.
Jackie Young also produced an impressive display in the final, contributing 18 points, six rebounds and five assists as the USA completed another successful World Cup campaign.
For France, the silver medal represents a historic achievement. Playing in their first-ever World Cup final, the French team secured their best finish in the history of the competition.
France had previously claimed bronze at the inaugural edition in 1953, but their run in Berlin took them a step further and delivered a first appearance in the championship game.
France’s Gabby Williams was among the standout performers throughout the tournament and was selected alongside USA stars Stewart and Young in the All-Star Five.
Spain completed the podium, defeating hosts Germany 81-58 in the third-place match.
A 22-point performance from Iyana Martin inspired Spain to the bronze medal, giving the team their fourth medal in the last five editions of the competition.
For Germany, the fourth-place finish was still significant, as the hosts recorded their highest-ever placing at the Women’s Basketball World Cup.
The 2026 tournament also made history off the court.
A total of 236,015 fans attended games in Berlin, surpassing the previous tournament attendance record of 145,519 set in 2022.
The figure was achieved despite fewer games being played in the German capital, while the competition also established a new benchmark for average attendance, with 6,556 spectators per game.
The numbers underline the growing global appeal of women’s basketball.
But at the centre of it all once again were the United States, who have now secured five successive World Cup crowns.
With Stewart producing a record-breaking individual performance and the USA continuing their extraordinary run of success, Berlin once again provided the stage for another chapter in American basketball dominance.
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(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
